How Can a Balanced Diet Positively Affect Your Life?

Carolyn Robbins

About the Author:

Carolyn Robbins

Carolyn Robbins began writing in 2006. Her work appears on various websites and covers various topics including neuroscience, physiology, nutrition and fitness. Robbins graduated with a bachelor of science degree in biology and theology from Saint Vincent College.

Unlike diets, which are often restrictive and intended for short-term weight loss, a balanced diet is diverse and adequate for activity level. In other words, you simply need to eat from all the food groups and treat food as fuel for a fit, active lifestyle. A balanced diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole-grains, lean protein, low-fat dairy, seeds, nuts and healthy oils. While your intake of fats, salt and sweets should be limited, there is room in a balanced diet for the occasional treat. The benefits of a balanced diet are enormous. You'll feel better, look better and have a longer, healthier life.

Standing Strong

Low-fat milk, cheese and even a bit of frozen yogurt are excellent sources of a mineral called calcium. Calcium is essential for maintaining a strong, stable skeletal system that minimizes your risk of fractures and enables you to live an active lifestyle. If you are lactose intolerant or sensitive to dairy, then consume seeds, nuts and soy as other sources of calcium.

Long Life and Prosperity

Eating well won't guarantee prosperity, but it can certainly prolong your lifespan. A balanced diet reduces your risk of a multitude of medical problems including heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and some types of cancer. Additionally, a healthy diet bolsters your immune system's ability to fend off illness and disease.

Conquering the Scale

A healthy diet can help you to lose weight.
(Image: webphotographeer/iStock/Getty Images)

Combined with regular exercise, a balanced diet can help you lose weight if you are overweight or obese, or it can simply help you maintain a healthy weight for life. Not only is weight loss and maintenance good for your health, it may help you feel better about yourself and contribute to an overall sense of well-being.

Feeling Good

In addition to a positive body image, a balanced diet may help prevent mental illness. According to the President's Challenge, good nutrition combined with an active lifestyle may reduce stress, anxiety and depression and increase your energy levels.